Flexible corrosion-inhibiting cover for a metallic object

Abstract

A cover ( 200 ) for inhibiting corrosion of a metallic object over which the cover is placed. The cover has an inner surface ( 104 ) defined by a liquid-permeable layer ( 202 ) and an outer surface ( 102 ) defined by a liquid-impermeable layer ( 204 ). A moisture-absorbing layer ( 206 ) is sandwiched between the liquid-permeable layer and the liquid-impermeable layer. The liquid-permeable layer allows vapor and liquid moisture beneath the cover to be absorbed into the moisture-absorbing layer to reduce the amount of moisture beneath the cover. The liquid-impermeable layer repels environmental liquid moisture, such as rain, sea spray, dew and the like and prevents such moisture from penetrating the cover. A radar-influencing layer ( 308 ) and vapor corrosion inhibitors ( 214 ) may be included in the cover. A method of protecting an object is also disclosed. The method includes covering a metallic object with cover ( 200 ).

1. A cover for inhibiting corrosion of a metallic object, comprising:
 a. a first layer having a first face and a second face, said first layer comprising a super-absorbent material adapted to absorb and store moisture; 
 b. a second layer located adjacent said first face of said first layer, said second layer being liquid-permeable; 
 c. a third layer located adjacent said second face of said first layer, said third layer being liquid-impermeable; and 
 d. a radar-influencing layer located within or adjacent at least one of said first layer, said second layer and said third layer, said radar-influencing layer comprising radar-influencing material. 
 
     
     
       2. A cover of  claim 1  wherein said super-absorbent material is a hydrogel. 
     
     
       3. A cover of  claim 1  wherein said first layer further comprises a fiber matrix. 
     
     
       4. A cover of  claim 3  wherein said super-absorbent material is dispersed throughout said fiber matrix. 
     
     
       5. A cover of  claim 4  wherein said super-absorbent material is a hydrogel. 
     
     
       6. A cover of  claim 1  wherein said third layer is vapor permeable. 
     
     
       7. A cover of  claim 6  wherein said third layer comprises an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene material. 
     
     
       8. A cover of  claim 6  wherein said third layer comprises a laminate of a woven fabric layer and a breathable urethane layer. 
     
     
       9. A cover of  claim 1  wherein said third layer is removably secured to said second layer. 
     
     
       10. A cover of  claim 1  wherein said radar-influencing material is contained in at least one of said first layer, second layer and third layer. 
     
     
       11. A cover of  claim 1  wherein said radar-influencing layer is a layer separate from said first layer, said second layer and said third layer. 
     
     
       12. A cover of  claim 1  wherein said radar-influencing material absorbs radar energy. 
     
     
       13. A cover of  claim 1  further including a heating element located within said cover. 
     
     
       14. A cover of  claim 13  wherein said heating element comprises an electrical resistance wire. 
     
     
       15. A cover of  claim 1  wherein said radar-influencing material reflects radar energy.